What is a Rhinoplasty
Rhinoplasty, a "nose job," is a surgical procedure that modifies the cartilage or bone in your nose to alter its shape. One of the most popular kinds of plastic surgery is rhinoplasty.
Reasons for Rhinoplasty
Rhinoplasty is performed on patients to cure breathing issues, congenital disabilities, nose injuries, and dissatisfaction with nose look.
Your surgeon may do a rhinoplasty to alter your nose in the following ways:
- change in size
- a change in angle
- straightening of the bridge
- reshaping of the tip
- narrowing of the nostrils
You should postpone having a rhinoplasty until your nasal bone has fully matured if the purpose of the procedure is to enhance your appearance rather than your health. For girls, this is about age 15. Boys may continue to grow until they reach a little older age. For those having surgery due to a respiratory issue, a younger age can be used for rhinoplasty.
Risks of Rhinoplasty
Risks associated with surgery include bleeding, infection, and adverse anaesthetic reactions. Moreover, having rhinoplasty may raise your chance of:
- breathing difficulties
- nosebleeds
- a numb nose
- an asymmetrical nose
- scars
Sometimes, patients express dissatisfaction with their surgical outcome. You have to wait till your nose heals completely before having another procedure if you choose to have one. This could require a year.
Preparing for Rhinoplasty
You must first schedule an appointment with your surgeon to determine if you're a good candidate for a rhinoplasty. You will discuss your goals for the procedure and why you desire it.
In addition to reviewing your medical history, the surgeon will inquire about any current prescription drugs and health issues. Your surgeon will probably advise against elective surgery if you have haemophilia, a condition that results in severe bleeding.
During a physical examination, your surgeon will examine the skin around and inside your nose to see what alterations can be made. Your surgeon may prescribe laboratory testing, including blood work.
If more surgery needs to be performed at the same time, your surgeon will take it into account as well. For instance, some patients choose to get a chin augmentation in addition to a rhinoplasty to improve the definition of their chin.
Ibuprofen or aspirin-containing medicines should be avoided for two weeks before and following your surgery. These drugs can cause you to bleed more by slowing down the clotting process of your blood. Tell your surgeon about your prescription drugs and dietary supplements so they can determine if you should keep taking them.
Because smoking slows down the healing process, smokers have a more challenging time recovering from rhinoplasty. Nicotine narrows blood vessels, reducing the amount of blood and oxygen that reaches the mending tissues. The healing process can be aided by quitting smoking before and after surgery.
Rhinoplasty Method
A rhinoplasty can be performed in an outpatient surgical centre, a hospital, or a physician's office. Your physician will use a local or general anaesthetic. You will be given a local anaesthetic to your nose, which will numb your face if the surgery is straightforward. Receiving medication via an IV line may make you feel sleepy, but you won't lose consciousness.
You will either breathe in or get medicine through an IV to induce general anaesthesia, rendering you unconscious. Typically, children are given general anaesthesia.
Once unconscious or numb, your surgeon will make incisions within or between your nostrils. They will begin the reshaping process after separating your skin from your bone or cartilage. Your doctor may extract cartilage from deep within your nose or ear if your new nose requires a bit more. You might receive a bone graft or implant if more is needed. An addition of bone to the nose's natural structure is called a bone transplant.
Typically, the process requires one to two hours. The operation may take longer if it is more complicated.
Recovery from Rhinoplasty
Your surgeon could splint your nose with metal or plastic after surgery. Your nose will mend with the splint, helping it maintain its new shape. To stabilize your septum—the area of your nose between your nostrils—they could also insert nasal packs or splints inside your nostrils.
Following surgery, you will spend at least a few hours under observation in a recovery room. You're going to leave later that day if all goes well. The anaesthetic will still affect you, so you will need a driver to get you home. If the procedure is complicated, you might need to spend a day or two in the hospital.
Keep your head above your chest when you rest to minimize bleeding and oedema. You may feel congested if your nose is bloated or filled with cotton. Patients are typically expected to keep their splints and dressings in place for up to a week after surgery. You may have absorbable stitches, so you won't have to remove them once they dissolve. You will need to return to your doctor one week following surgery to have the stitches removed if they are not absorbable.
One of the most common side effects of the drugs after surgery is sluggish reaction times, memory loss, and impaired judgment. If possible, have a friend or family member stay with you the first night.
Following surgery, you may have bleeding and discharge for a few days. Blood and mucus can be absorbed by a drip pad, a gauze glued behind your nose. How often to replace your drip pad will be determined by your doctor.
Your face may appear swollen, you may experience headaches, and your doctor may recommend painkillers.
Following surgery, your doctor might advise you to refrain from the following for a few weeks:
- running and other strenuous physical activities
- swimming
- blowing your nose
- excessive chewing
- Laughing, grinning, or making different facial expressions that require a lot of movement
- pulling clothes over your head
- putting your spectacles on your nose
- brushing your teeth vigorously
Use extra caution when it comes to sun exposure. If you use too much, the skin around your nose may become permanently discoloured.
You should be able to resume your job or studies in a week.
Your eye area may be affected by a rhinoplasty, and you may have transient swelling, numbness, or discolouration around your eyelids for a few weeks. Rarely, this can continue for six months, and minor swelling might linger longer. To reduce swelling and discolouration, use ice packs or cold compresses.
Following a rhinoplasty, follow-up treatment is crucial. Remember to adhere to your doctor's recommendations and attend your appointments.
